Man, 27, re-arrested on terrorism charges after suspicious package found in maternity wing at Leeds hospital

21 January 2023, 01:35 | Updated: 21 January 2023, 01:47

A 27-year-old man has been arrested
A 27-year-old man has been arrested. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Counter-terror police have re-arrested a 27-year-old man on terror charges after a suspicious package was found at a hospital in Leeds, sparking an evacuation.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Army specialists rushed to the Gledhow Wing of St James' Hospital in Leeds on Friday morning, where a cordon was put in place as a "precautionary measure".

The wing is home to the majority of the hospital's maternity services, as well as some respiratory and bereavement services.

People were urged to avoid the entrance to the wing while the cordon remained in place, after some areas were evacuated to keep "patients and staff safe".

In an update on Friday evening, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: "The 27-year-old man, who has remained in custody since his arrest this morning, has this evening been re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism."

The incident took place on Friday morning
The incident took place on Friday morning. Picture: Alamy
A suspicious package was found in the Gledhow Wing of St James' Hospital in Leeds
A suspicious package was found in the Gledhow Wing of St James' Hospital in Leeds. Picture: Alamy

Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: "This is being treated as an isolated incident and there is no evidence to suggest there is any heightened or ongoing risk to the public.

"Nevertheless, the UK threat level remains at Substantial and we would always encourage the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or behaviour to police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or at gov.uk/ACT."

The cordon at the scene has been lifted, but searches continue to be carried out at premises in Leeds.

Read More: Sex offender partner of missing Constance Marten raped neighbour armed with shears as children slept next door

Read More: Schoolboy, 13, stabbed outside London Underground station

In a statement, the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Patients are being asked to attend hospital as normal for appointments, unless they are contacted otherwise.

"Visiting for patients who are currently in Gledhow Wing and Lincoln Wing at St James's Hospital is suspended until we have more information."

The A&E department remains open.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Wiltshire Police confirmed nine people had sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.

Boat on River Thames 'explodes' with nine people injured 'including baby' and transferred to hospital after blaze

British surgeon Dr. Victoria Rose describes the catastrophic scene at Nasser Medical Complex

'Absolute carnage': British doctor describes horror in Gaza hospital after Israel 'opens fire' on aid centre

Sam was driving on the A34 near Manchester on Monday when his car suddenly left the road.

Race Across the World contestant Sam Gardiner, 24, dies in car crash as family pay tribute to his 'joy and energy'

Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged the strikes on airfields across five regions earlier today.

Ukraine targets more than 40 'enemy bombers' deep inside Russia with drones 'hidden' in special containers, source says

Firefighters with breathing apparatus and a ladder truck work at the Marienkrankenhaus hospital in Hamburg's Hohenfelde district of Hamburg.

Three dead, more than thirty-five injured in fire in geriatric ward of German hospital

An investigation has found trending mental health TikTok videos are spreading misinformation about mental health

'Feeling anxious? Eat an orange in the shower': Over half of top 100 Tik Tok mental health advice videos contain misinformation

Police warning to uber drivers after 'drunk passengers' found abandoned on dark motorway

Police warning to taxi drivers after 'drunk passengers' abandoned on motorway after being sick in Uber

Russian drone hits residential building in Belozersk

40 Russian bomber planes struck as Ukraine claims to have conducted drone attack

The awards were hosted at the Hackney Empire in London

Chaos at British Soap Awards after bomb threat prompts emergency evacuation

Berlin, Deutschland

Zelensky confirms Ukraine to take part in upcoming peace talks with Russia in Istanbul

Police were called to De Montfort Street, Leicester, at 12.34am on Saturday morning

Two more arrests made after car collides with pedestrians in Leicester following fight

Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola, Malaga

Manhunt underway after two Brits 'shot dead by masked gunmen' at Irish pub on Costa del Sol

Sir Chris Hoy, Olympic champion, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2023.

Chris Hoy says 'life doesn't stop' eight months after revealing terminal cancer diagnosis

Paris-PSG-Fans-Celebration-Champions-League

Two dead and more than 500 arrested after PSG fans clash with police in France following Champions League win

This photo released by Acting Governor of the Kursk Region Alexander Khinshtein telegram channel on Sunday, June 1, 2025, shows a view of a damaged bridge after the crash of a freight train in Russia's Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.

Seven dead and 70 injured after two Russian bridges collapse amid reports one was 'blown up'

FILE - This combo of file photos shows, actors Ncuti Gatwa, left in New York, May 5, 2025, in New York; and Billie Piper in London, March 27, 2024. (AP Photos Evan Agostini, left, and Vianney Le Caer, File)

Billie Piper replaces Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who in 'regeneration' finale